Truckloads of trout keep Lake Etling busy

But C.D. Perkins is glad the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife and Conservation brings truckloads of the fish to see him every year.

"In the winter, if it wasn't for trout, I don't believe we would have many people," said Perkins, the manager of Black Mesa State Park and Nature Preserve, which includes Lake Etling. "If it wasn't for the trout fishermen, we'd have few people."

Like the trout, many of Lake Etling's winter fishermen are not native to the area. Perkins said fishermen from within a 150-mile radius and from many states - including Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, Colorado and New Mexico - use the lake.

"And I'd say 70 percent of the people here in the winter are retired people," Perkins said.

The lake's trout season runs from Nov. 1 through the end of April. To pursue the fish, anglers need to have a fishing license and a $7.75 trout stamp. Residents can buy a yearly license for $12.50. Non-resident fishing licenses are $20 for 14 days or $10 for five days.

Licenses are not sold at the park, but Perkins said stores in the area carry them. Fishermen can use only one pole and are allowed six trout per day with 12 in possession.

Lake Etling is located about 30 miles west of Boise City on U.S. Highway 325. The 159-acre lake, dotted with submerged trees, has boat ramps on its south and east sides. Primitive and developed camping facilities are available at the park.

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife and Conservation stocks trout into Etling every two weeks. In 1998, it stocked almost 500,000 trout statewide. The size of the trout varies. In addition to the more plentiful smaller fish, a few bigger fish are mixed in.

"Someone caught a 19-inch trout last Saturday," Perkins said. "We actually get a lot of pretty good fish."

Most trout anglers gather where the South Fork of the Carrizo Creek meets the lake. Perkins said most anglers fish from the bank, but a few try their luck from boats.

Traditionally, the trout season is highlighted by the Cimarron Chamber of Commerce's Trout Fishing Derby, which runs from April 1-30. Anglers who catch tagged fish can turn them in for cash and prizes.